Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

G. T. Kleinheinz ¹, B. M. Langolf ¹

Affiliations
1 Environmental Engineering Technology, ERIC Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, US

Abstract

Biofiltration is a sustainable technology in the US that utilizes microorganisms to biodegrade harmful airborne contaminants. Biofiltration can not only be more cost effective, but also more environmentally friendly than traditional technologies such as thermal oxidation and chemical scrubbing. The objective of this study was to follow the long-term operation of a lava rock-based biofilter for odour control at a wastewater treatment plant. The biofilter has operated well for over 14 years that we have followed the system. After 14 years of operation there are no visible signs of fungal growth or solid support breakdown. VOCs were removed at a rate of nearly 81% while ammonia and hydrogen sulfide removal was found to be almost 90% and 98%, respectively. This study demonstrates that lava rock can be used for a solid support media in wastewater treatment applications with excellent removal efficiencies, while maintaining its structural integrity over a decade or more of continuous use. This is the first study that has followed a biofilter operation for 14 years. When considering biofiltration as an odour treatment option, one should consider lava rock as a solid support option. The initial capital investment can be saved several times over by using a solid support that is able to hold-up over the years without replacement. Thus, it is practical to consider solid support materials that appear to have a larger capital cost when one considers a long media life expectancy and payback over decades.

Keywords

Lava Rock, Biofilter, Wastewater Treatment, VOCs, Odor Control.

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